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Momodou
Denmark
11809 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Apr 2008 : 21:13:40
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Magistrate Reacts To Foni Bintang NAMS Statement In Parliament
By Modou Jonga
Senior Magistrate Edrisa Fafa M’bai of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court has on Monday chastised Hon Ebrima Jammeh for making what he described as irresponsible statements.
This reaction came in the wake of a story published by a local newspaper in which Hon Jammeh was quoted as saying that the dragging of cases in the courts normally leads to problems in the society. In bolstering his argument at the National Assembly, the paper said Hon Jammeh cited the recent brawl at Babylon as an example. However, these criticisms were rubbished by magistrate M’bai of the Brikama Magistrates Court.
Magistrate M’bai noted that the statement by Hon. Jammeh which was caption “Foni Bintang NAM Disagrees with court’s handling of case;” was irresponsible.
Reacting to the statements, magistrate M’bai noted that the statements made by Hon Jammeh are irresponsible and that the journalists who authored it should have made effort to find out from the court to ensure a factual and balanced reporting of the issue. He said the statement is not factual and balanced.
Speaking further, magistrate M’bai contradicted the statement of Hon. Jammeh that a land dispute between the people of Makumbaya and one Lamin Jarju, has been in court for over three years. He clarified that Lamin Jarju is charged for impersonating as the village head of Babylon. He vehemently refuted the claim that the case has been in his court for three years.
Magistrate M’bai told the crowded courtroom that after the prosecution finished its case, Lawyer Borry Touray, counsel for Lamin Jarju , submitted that his client has no case to answer. He further said he has overruled the submission of counsel Touray and ruled that Mr. Jarju has a case to answer. Magistrate M’bai said as a result, counsel Touray, has filed an appeal against his ruling at the High Court.
He said his statements are not meant to suppress press reports but that journalists should write what is said in his court or not bother to come to his court. Magistrate M’bai said journalists should at all times practice and adhere to the professional ethics of journalism. He said with all the respect he has for the Foni Bintang NAM, his statement is uncalled for and is without merit. Magistrate M’bai urged journalists to desist from misinforming the public.
On his part Antouman Gaye, a senior Gambian lawyer, said he is worried by the statements of Hon. Jammeh and that the latter should not have castigated the court in the National Assembly. Mr. Gaye describes Hon. Jammeh’s statement as irresponsible.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 41/2008, 9 – 10 April 2008
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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